State Legislature passes veteran job preference

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Legislature has sent Democratic Governor Mark Dayton a bill that lets employers set a hiring preference for veterans and some of their spouses.

The House approved the measure Monday after the Senate passed it last month. Both votes were unanimous.

The bill allows private employers to express a hiring preference for all veterans, and spouses of those who have died or have a service-related disability.

Lawmakers have considered a handful of bills this session to boost jobs for veterans. Other ideas included tax credits for businesses hiring veterans and setting aside contracts for veteran-owned businesses.